Head and Neck Support Device for Seated or Recumbent Use

ABSTRACT

A device configured to support the head and neck of a person relative to the body of the person while the person is reading or otherwise using a laptop computer, tablet, E-reader or other mobile electronic device while sitting or lying in a recumbent position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application claims the benefit of provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 62/415,084, entitled “HEAD AND NECK SUPPORT DEVICE FOR SEATED OR RECUMBENT USE” filed on Oct. 31, 2016 (Attorney Docket No. 200083.01100P), the entirety of which is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND Field of the Disclosure

A device configured to support the head and neck of a person relative to the body while the user is reading or using a mobile electronic device while sitting or lying in a recumbent position.

Background of the Disclosure

Many types and configurations of devices have previously been disclosed that are intended to support a book or mobile electronic device while the user is sitting, reclining or lying in a recumbent position. Once such device is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 9,375,073 and in other prior patents and publications referenced in that patent. None is known to disclose or render unpatentable the claimed subject matter.

Long-term use of mobile electronic devices, especially while sitting or in a recumbent position, can cause stiffening or ligament strain and associated pain or discomfort, sometimes referred to as “text neck.”

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure may be better understood, and its numerous features and advantages made apparent to those skilled in the art by referencing the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 depicts a front elevation view of one embodiment of an assembled head and neck support device;

FIG. 2 depicts a front elevation of the embodiment of FIG. 1 with a washable, decorative fabric cover removed from a substantially cylindrical polymeric container having a selectively releasable closure;

FIG. 3 depicts a user operating a laptop computer while sitting with the assembled head and neck support device of FIG. 1 supporting the head and neck of the user during use; and

FIG. 4 depicts another user operating a laptop computer while in a recumbent position with the assembled head and neck support device of FIG. 1 supporting the head and neck of the user during use.

FIG. 5 is an elevation view diagram illustrating an anatomical support device in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an end view diagram illustrating an anatomical support device in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view diagram illustrating an anatomical support device in accordance with one embodiment.

The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

According to one embodiment, a device is disclosed that is configured to be placed under the chin of a sitting or recumbent person who is reading a book or using a mobile electronic device such as a smart phone, laptop computer, tablet or e-reader. The size and shape of the device is desirably such that it will support the head and neck of a user at an angle relative to the body that is satisfactory for allowing the user to look directly at the book or electronic device that is being used. The subject device desirably offers sufficient resistance to support the head and neck of the user without collapse during use and is desirably cushioned so as not to be uncomfortable to the user while disposed between the underside of the chin and the upper chest of the user.

According to another embodiment, a head and neck support device is disclosed that comprises a polymeric body having a substantially cylindrical, flexible sidewall. A cushioning material can be disposed inside or outside the sidewall, or both, and a removable fabric cover is optionally provided.

According to another embodiment, a head and neck support device is disclosed that comprises at least one compressible material such as polymeric foam and other cellular materials, natural or synthetic fibers, and the like, that is desirably covered by a fabric cover.

According to another embodiment, a head and neck support device is disclosed that comprises a substantially cylindrical body and a selectively releasable end closure. The subject device is satisfactorily filled with air, another gas or gasses, or a liquid, and can also comprise, if desired, a plurality of chambers, with different chambers exhibiting lesser or greater resistance to collapse during use. For example, the subject device may have an inner chamber exhibiting greater resistance to collapse in combination with an outer chamber surrounding the inner chamber and having lesser resistance to collapse. Different chambers can comprise different fluids such as, for example an inner chamber comprising a liquid and an outer chamber comprising a gas. A decorative flexible, preferably washable, fabric cover is desirably used in combination with the device.

According to another embodiment, the subject device can comprise a bottle having a selectively releasable, fluid-tight closure that can be selectively released or removed to change the fluid disposed inside the bottle or to increase or decrease the amount of fluid disposed inside the bottle, thereby also selectively varying the total weight and resistance to collapse of the bottle.

According to another embodiment, subject device can comprise a fabric outer shell and be filled with any suitable cushioning material, provided, however, that the device is sized and configured to function for the intended purpose.

According to another embodiment, the subject device can be made in different sizes, with the overall dimensions of the subject device sized in accordance with the size of the intended user. Although not required, children or smaller adults may, for example, find smaller configurations to be more comfortable that full-sized configurations of the device intended for use by an adult having a larger, more typical body size.

According to another. embodiment, a head and neck support device can be made, marketed or used with one or a plurality of differently designed, interchangeable fabric covers. These and other selectively removable covers for the head and neck support device can be made of a fabric that is washable if desired. Representative fabrics suitable for use in the subject covers include, for example, silk, terry cloth and cotton.

According to another embodiment, the head and neck support device can comprise a fluid container having a releasable closure that, when released, allows the fluid to be discharged and allows the device to be folded or otherwise collapsed into a smaller volume for packaging, transportation or storage prior to or between uses.

The system and apparatus of at least one embodiment are further described and explained in relation to FIGS. 1-4 of the drawings.

One satisfactory embodiment of head and neck support device 10 is depicted in FIGS. 1-4. Referring to FIG. 2, head and neck support device 10 desirably further comprises a substantially cylindrical body 12 having a flexible sidewall having a closed end 18 and an open end with a removable closure 14.

Substantially cylindrical body can be hollow or not, and if hollow, removable closure 14 is desirably provided for use in introducing a filler material such as a fluid or a fibrous cushioning material, into substantially cylindrical body 12. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this disclosure that the flexibility of the sidewall of body 12 and the resistance to collapse is affected by the type and quantity of fill material inside body 12, whether or not closure 14 is in place as shown to cover the otherwise open end of body 12, the material used to form substantially cylindrical body 12.

Still referring to FIG. 2, removable cover 16 is depicted as being detached from substantially cylindrical body 12 of head and neck support device 10. In the embodiment shown, removable cover 16 is made of terry cloth having a decorative design, although the type of fabric and the design, if any, can vary within the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Referring to FIG. 3, head and neck support device 10 is shown supporting the head and neck of person 20, who is using laptop 22 while seated.

Referring to FIG. 4, head and neck support device 10 is shown supporting the head and neck of person 30, who is using laptop 22 while in a recumbent position.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, a device is provided for supporting the head and neck of a person reading a book or using a mobile electronic device such as a smart phone, laptop computer, tablet or E-reader. The device comprises a substantially cylindrical body configured for comfortable placement beneath the chin of a sitting or recumbent user to support the head and neck relative to the upper chest of the person, the cylindrical body having a flexible sidewall. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a fabric cover surrounds the substantially cylindrical body. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the substantially cylindrical body is hollow and contains a filler material. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the substantially cylindrical body comprises one open end and one closed end. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the device further comprises a removable closure disposed over the open end. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the fabric cover is washable. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the substantially cylindrical body comprises a foamed polymeric material. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the fabric is selected from the group consisting of silk, terry cloth and cotton. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the filler material is a fluid. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the substantially cylindrical body is collapsible or foldable when not in use.

An embodiment of an anatomical support device is illustrated and described below with respect to FIGS. 5-7. The anatomical support device may be used, for example, as a head and neck support device. The anatomical support device may be used, for example, in a seated position. The anatomical support device may be used, for example, in a recumbent position.

FIG. 5 is an elevation view diagram illustrating an anatomical support device in accordance with one embodiment. The device is circularly symmetric about an axis 60. At a first end, a circular surface 51 is centered about and perpendicular to axis 60. From the edge of circular surface 51, a curved surface of first bulbous half 61 extends to a midline 55. From midline 55, a curved surface of a second bulbous half 62 extends to an edge of circular surface 59 at a second end. Circular surface 59 is centered about and perpendicular to axis 60. Given the circular symmetry, midline 55 forms a circle centered about and perpendicular to axis 60.

First bulbous half 61 comprises a surface 52 of monotonically increasing diameter extending from the edge of circular surface 51 to a circular line 53 of maximal diameter. First bulbous half 61 also comprises a surface 54 of monotonically decreasing diameter extending from circular line 53 of maximal diameter to midline 55. Second bulbous half 62 comprises a surface 58 of monotonically increasing diameter extending from the edge of circular surface 59 to a circular line 57 of maximal diameter. Second bulbous half 62 also comprises a surface 56 of monotonically decreasing diameter extending from circular line 57 of maximal diameter to midline 55.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, circular surface 51 is between 5.5 and 6.0 inches from circular surface 59. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the maximal diameter of circular line 53 is between 2.25 and 2.5 inches. In accordance with at least one embodiment, circular surface 51 is between 2.75 and 3.0 inches from midline 55. In accordance with at least one embodiment, circular surface 59 is between 2.75 and 3.0 inches from midline 55. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the distance from circular surface 51 to midline 55 is substantially identical to the distance from circular surface 59 to midline 55. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the maximal diameter of circular line 57 is between 2.25 and 2.5 inches. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the maximal diameter of circular line 53 is equal to the maximal diameter of circular line 57. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the diameter of the circle formed by midline 55 is between 2.0 and 2.25 inches. In accordance with at least one embodiment, circular surface 51 has a diameter between 0.60 and 0.66 inches. In accordance with at least one embodiment, circular surface 59 has a diameter between 0.60 and 0.66 inches. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the diameter of circular surface 51 is substantially identical to the diameter of circular surface 59.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the relationship of the maximal diameter of circular line 53 to the diameter of the circle formed by midline 55 over the distance between circular line 53 and midline 55 defines a taper angle between two degrees and eight degrees. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the taper angle, so defined, is between three and seven degrees. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the taper angle, so defined, is between four and six degrees. In accordance with at least one embodiment, an opposing taper angle, defined by the relationship of the maximal diameter of circular line 57 to the diameter of the circle formed by midline 55 over the distance between circular line 57 and midline 55 is substantially identical to the taper angle described above.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the entire surface of first bulbous half 61 is a convex surface. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the entire surface of the second bulbous half 62 is a convex surface. In accordance with at least one embodiment, surface 52 of monotonically increasing diameter is a convex surface, and surface 54 of monotonically decreasing diameter is a substantially frustoconical surface. In accordance with at least one embodiment, surface 58 of monotonically increasing diameter is a convex surface, and surface 56 of monotonically decreasing diameter is a substantially frustoconical surface. In accordance with at least one embodiment, surface 52 of monotonically increasing diameter is a convex surface, and surface 54 of monotonically decreasing diameter is a concave surface. In accordance with at least one embodiment, surface 58 of monotonically increasing diameter is a convex surface, and surface 56 of monotonically decreasing diameter is a concave surface.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the device is constructed of a polymer foam. As example, the polymer foam may be a polyethylene (PE) foam, a polyurethane (PU) foam, a ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, a vinyl foam, another polymer foam, or a combination of polymer foams. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the device is provided with a textile cover. In accordance with least one embodiment, the textile cover is secured with an elastic material. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the textile cover is secured with a hook-and-loop fastener. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the textile cover is secured with a zipper.

FIG. 6 is an end view diagram illustrating an anatomical support device in accordance with one embodiment. Circular surface 51, surface 52 of monotonically increasing diameter, and circular line 53 are shown.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view diagram illustrating an anatomical support device in accordance with one embodiment. Elements 51-58 as described with respect to FIG. 5 are shown in FIG. 7.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, an anatomical support device comprises a first bulbous half and a second bulbous half, wherein the first bulbous half and the second bulbous half meet at a circular midline, wherein the circular midline is perpendicular to an axis of the first bulbous half and the second bulbous half. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the first bulbous half comprises at a first end, a first circular surface and a first surface of monotonically increasing diameter, the first surface of monotonically increasing diameter increasing in diameter from its junction with a first circular edge of the first circular surface. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the first bulbous half further comprises a first circular line of maximal diameter and a second surface of monotonically decreasing diameter, the first surface of monotonically increasing diameter increasing in diameter to a first maximum diameter at the first circular line of maximal diameter, and the second surface of monotonically decreasing diameter decreasing in diameter to a minimum diameter at the circular midline. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the first circular surface is centered about the axis and is perpendicular to the axis. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the second bulbous half comprises at a second end, a second circular surface and a third surface of monotonically increasing diameter, the third surface of monotonically increasing diameter increasing in diameter from its junction with a second circular edge of the second circular surface. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the second bulbous half further comprises a second circular line of maximal diameter and a fourth surface of monotonically decreasing diameter, the third surface of monotonically increasing diameter increasing in diameter to a second maximum diameter at the second circular line of maximal diameter, and the fourth surface of monotonically decreasing diameter decreasing in diameter to the minimum diameter of the circular midline.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the second circular surface is centered about the axis and is perpendicular to the axis. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the anatomical support device comprises a polymer foam material. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the anatomical support device is provided with a textile cover. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the textile cover is padded. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a first relationship of the first circular line of maximal diameter to the minimum diameter at the circular midline over a first distance between the first circular line of maximal diameter and the circular midline defines a first taper angle between two degrees and eight degrees. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a second relationship of the second circular line of maximal diameter to the minimum diameter at the circular midline over a second distance between the second circular line of maximal diameter and the circular midline defines a second taper angle between two degrees and eight degrees. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the first taper angle is substantially identical to the second taper angle.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, a first entirety of first bulbous half exclusive of the first circular surface is a convex surface and a second entirety of the second bulbous half exclusive of the second circular surface is a convex surface. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the first surface of monotonically increasing diameter is a first convex surface, the second surface of monotonically decreasing diameter is a first substantially frustoconical surface, the third surface of monotonically increasing diameter is a second convex surface, and the fourth surface of monotonically decreasing diameter is a second substantially frustoconical surface. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the first surface of monotonically increasing diameter is a first convex surface, the second surface of monotonically decreasing diameter is a first concave surface, the third surface of monotonically increasing diameter is a second convex surface, and the fourth surface of monotonically decreasing diameter is a second concave surface.

The concepts of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature of any or all the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An anatomical support device comprises: a first bulbous half; and a second bulbous half, wherein the first bulbous half and the second bulbous half meet at a circular midline, wherein the circular midline is perpendicular to an axis of the first bulbous half and the second bulbous half.
 2. The anatomical support device of claim 1 wherein the first bulbous half comprises: at a first end, a first circular surface; and a first surface of monotonically increasing diameter, the first surface of monotonically increasing diameter increasing in diameter from its junction with a first circular edge of the first circular surface.
 3. The anatomical support device of claim 2 wherein the first bulbous half further comprises: a first circular line of maximal diameter; and a second surface of monotonically decreasing diameter, the first surface of monotonically increasing diameter increasing in diameter to a first maximum diameter at the first circular line of maximal diameter, and the second surface of monotonically decreasing diameter decreasing in diameter to a minimum diameter at the circular midline.
 4. The anatomical support device of claim 3 wherein the first circular surface is centered about the axis and is perpendicular to the axis.
 5. The anatomical support device of claim 4 wherein the second bulbous half comprises: at a second end, a second circular surface; and a third surface of monotonically increasing diameter, the third surface of monotonically increasing diameter increasing in diameter from its junction with a second circular edge of the second circular surface.
 6. The anatomical support device of claim 5 wherein the second bulbous half further comprises: a second circular line of maximal diameter; and a fourth surface of monotonically decreasing diameter, the third surface of monotonically increasing diameter increasing in diameter to a second maximum diameter at the second circular line of maximal diameter, and the fourth surface of monotonically decreasing diameter decreasing in diameter to the minimum diameter of the circular midline.
 7. The anatomical support device of claim 6 wherein the second circular surface is centered about the axis and is perpendicular to the axis.
 8. The anatomical support device of claim 7 wherein the anatomical support device comprises a polymer foam material.
 9. The anatomical support device of claim 7 wherein the anatomical support device is provided with a textile cover.
 10. The anatomical support device of claim 7 wherein the textile cover is padded.
 11. The anatomical support device of claim 6 wherein a first relationship of the first circular line of maximal diameter to the minimum diameter at the circular midline over a first distance between the first circular line of maximal diameter and the circular midline defines a first taper angle between two degrees and eight degrees.
 12. The anatomical support device wherein a second relationship of the second circular line of maximal diameter to the minimum diameter at the circular midline over a second distance between the second circular line of maximal diameter and the circular midline defines a second taper angle between two degrees and eight degrees.
 13. The anatomical support device of claim 12 wherein the first taper angle is substantially identical to the second taper angle.
 14. The anatomical support device of claim 6 wherein a first entirety of first bulbous half exclusive of the first circular surface is a convex surface and a second entirety of the second bulbous half exclusive of the second circular surface is a convex surface.
 15. The anatomical support device of claim 6 wherein the first surface of monotonically increasing diameter is a first convex surface, the second surface of monotonically decreasing diameter is a first substantially frustoconical surface, the third surface of monotonically increasing diameter is a second convex surface, and the fourth surface of monotonically decreasing diameter is a second substantially frustoconical surface.
 16. The anatomical support device of claim 6 wherein the first surface of monotonically increasing diameter is a first convex surface, the second surface of monotonically decreasing diameter is a first concave surface, the third surface of monotonically increasing diameter is a second convex surface, and the fourth surface of monotonically decreasing diameter is a second concave surface. 